For those of us with naturally dry skin, the harsh effects of winter can often lead to patchy, red and ultimately, irritated complexions. In order to avoid this, it’s important to stay hydrated, and to know which common skincare products can work best for your skin type, and which to avoid (that can exacerbate dryness!)
With that said, we reached out to dermatologists and skincare experts to learn more about three ingredients often found in moisturizers, face washes, body washes, serums and other products that they urge to stay away from if you have already dry skin this winter. Read on for tips, suggestions and insight from Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, board-certified dermatologist and writer at My Psoriasis Team, Dr. Cheryl Rosen, Director of Dermatology at BowTied Life, and clinical dermatologist Dr. Enrizza P. Factor.
1. Alcohol
Often found in toners, facial peels, other skincare products and even makeup, alcohol is best to be avoided if you have naturally dry skin, Chacon explains. "Winter is a great time to get cozy and binge-watch your favorite shows, but it can also be a nightmare for your skin," she acknowledges. "Dry, tight skin is common in the winter, and it's often worse if you live in a place with low humidity, and there is an ingredient you can avoid if you want to help your skin this winter— alcohol."
Chacon adds that "alcohol has been shown to irritate sensitive skin and make it drier." It can also "cause flaky patches on your face," as it has a naturally drying effect as it is.
Instead of alcohol-based products, Rosen recommends reaching for "a product that is hydrating and contains natural oils and moisturizers." She also suggests including hyaluronic acid serums in your routine that "help to lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated," oil-based cleansers that "won't strip your skin of its natural oils and can actually help to balance oily skin," and lotions and moisturizers that contain ceramides, as "these help to repair the protective barrier of your skin, keeping moisture in and irritants out."
2. Sodium Lauryl Sulfates (SLS)
Do you have a bubbly, foamy cleanser that often makes your skin feel even drier? Chacon stresses checking if it contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfates (SLS), what she explains is a "common ingredient in soaps and facial cleansers," known to "irritate sensitive skin and cause itchiness or redness." Rosen adds that this "harsh detergent" is used in many personal care products, but it "can strip away the protective lipid layer of the skin, leading to dryness and accelerated aging." This ingredient also might be in your shower gel or soap, Chacon adds, and to avoid the negative effects of this drying ingredient on your skin, she suggests "switching to something gentler," like a "coconut oil-based product, instead."
3. Fragrances
We're not talking about perfume here, as oftentimes, toners, cleansers, body washes, moisturizers and other products can feature an irritating fragrance that can lead to red, itchy and patchy skin (or exacerbate these conditions if your skin is that dry already)."Fragrance can cause irritation and allergic reactions in some people (including those with asthma)," Chacon notes, so she says to "make sure any skincare products or body washes you use don't contain fragrance as an ingredient." Factor agrees, and urges to "choose a toner that contains hyaluronic acid to keep your skin hydrated," as opposed to one with a fragrance that can dry it out more. "Use toners that are gentle, and do not contain irritants like parabens, artificial colors or fragrances," she says.
Overall, when it comes to dry skin, Rosen reiterates that avoiding the aforementioned three ingredients are key to not exacerbate patchiness, itchiness and redness. If you're looking for skincare products that will help to soothe and provide moisture to dry skin, Rosen recommends including hyaluronic acid serums in your routine that "help to lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated," oil-based cleansers that "won't strip your skin of its natural oils and can actually help to balance oily skin," and lotions and moisturizers that contain ceramides, as "these help to repair the protective barrier of your skin, keeping moisture in and irritants out," she concludes.
